St. Thomas Aquinas Influence On Christian Theology

St. Thomas Aquinas was an incredibly influential philosopher and theologian during the medieval period whose thoughts and ideas have enormous influence on Christian theology. His thoughts on the philosophy of law strive to answer the many questions of law and in doing so identifies four different kinds. However, before the different types of law can be identified and explained, the true definition of law must be understood.

Law, according to Thomas is “a standard of measurement for behaviour, fostering certain actions and discouraging others” (Selected Philosophical Writings (SPW), 411). Aristotle claims that the starting point for anything becomes the standard of measurement for anything in that realm. Reason is the foundation of all human activity and sets the bar for all human behaviour, therefore “law is a product of reason” (SPW, 411). The source of human behaviour is reason, however there is

Divine law was “promulgated in both ways: through God’s eternal word, and in the eternal book of life” (SPW, 417). Divine law is distinguished between the Old Law (old testament) and the New Law (New testament), the purpose of which is to guide man towards his “supernatural end” (Q91. A4). St. Thomas explains that there are four reasons to divine law and “And these four causes are touched upon in Psalm 118:8, where it is said: "The law of the Lord is unspotted," i.e. allowing no foulness of sin; " converting of souls," because it directs not only exterior, but also interior acts; "the testimony of the Lord is faithful," because of the certainty of what is true and right; "giving wisdom to little ones," by directing man to an end supernatural and Divine” (Q91. A4). Divine Law is God’s law on mankind, and is also God showing his divine love as he looks out for mankind’s well being. Divine Law builds upon and goes beyond the other forms law to elevate man to achieve his full actualization in